Iranian exiled journalist stabbed in London on Friday, shaken up by the incident
A violent attack on an Iranian journalist in London has sent shockwaves through the media community, raising concerns about the safety of journalists working in exile.
Pouria Zeraati, a presenter at London-based broadcaster Iran International, was stabbed outside his home on Friday. While recovering in the hospital, Zeraati defiantly shared a photo on social media, showcasing his resilience in the face of intimidation.
The attack’s motive remains unclear, but the timing and Zeraati’s profession raise serious red flags. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, a clear indication of the potential link to threats previously directed towards Iran International staff.
“The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has been targeting our broadcasters,” stated Adam Baillie, spokesperson for Iran International. He pointed to a particularly concerning incident in October 2022, where the IRGC openly threatened the broadcaster, saying “We’re coming for you.”
Zeraati isn’t the only one targeted. Baillie confirmed that the journalist had received death threats before and that threats against Iran International staff have intensified dramatically in recent times. This aligns with reports of several foiled plots by Iranian authorities to kidnap or kill individuals perceived as threats to the regime, currently residing in the UK.
The Iranian government vehemently denies any involvement in the attack. However, Baillie remains unconvinced. He highlighted that Zeraati, along with other prominent presenters, has been singled out for threats over the past year and a half.
This isn’t the first time Iran International has faced pressure. The broadcaster was forced to temporarily shut down its London operations in early 2023 due to escalating state-backed threats. They resumed operations later that year at a new location, but the recent attack demonstrates the persistent danger journalists face.
Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the National Union of Journalists, condemned the attack as “cowardly” and “deeply shocking.” She expressed concern for the safety of journalists working for both Iran International and BBC Persian Service, especially considering they’ve been labeled as “terrorist channels” by the IRGC.
Despite the intimidation tactics, Iran International remains committed to its mission. “The show must go on,” Baillie declared. The journalists, though undoubtedly worried, understand the importance of a free press and are dedicated to providing uncensored information. And it’s precisely this dedication that seems to be provoking the most intense threats from the Iranian regime.
